Wambui Faith
Willie Colón, the trailblazing American salsa icon known for his work as a trombonist, singer, and composer, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75, his family confirmed in a public statement.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the family expressed both sorrow and gratitude, saying that although they mourn his loss, they celebrate the enduring legacy of his music and the unforgettable memories he leaves behind. The cause of his death was not revealed.
Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Colón built an impressive career with dozens of album releases. Among them were La Gran Fuga (The Big Break) in 1970 and El Juicio in 1972, as noted by Fania Records, the influential label that helped popularize salsa music worldwide.
He signed with Fania Records at just 15 years old, and by 1967 — at only 17 — he had released his debut album, El Malo. According to his biography on the Los Angeles Philharmonic website, the album sold over 300,000 copies.
Colón became known for blending jazz, rock, and salsa, weaving in rhythms from traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, and African music. His innovative sound helped shape modern salsa and cemented his place as one of the genre’s most influential figures.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the family expressed both sorrow and gratitude, saying that although they mourn his loss, they celebrate the enduring legacy of his music and the unforgettable memories he leaves behind. The cause of his death was not revealed.
Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Colón built an impressive career with dozens of album releases. Among them were La Gran Fuga (The Big Break) in 1970 and El Juicio in 1972, as noted by Fania Records, the influential label that helped popularize salsa music worldwide.
He signed with Fania Records at just 15 years old, and by 1967 — at only 17 — he had released his debut album, El Malo. According to his biography on the Los Angeles Philharmonic website, the album sold over 300,000 copies.
Colón became known for blending jazz, rock, and salsa, weaving in rhythms from traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, and African music. His innovative sound helped shape modern salsa and cemented his place as one of the genre’s most influential figures.
